Unclaimed Prizes – Is One Of Them Yours?

Some people find it hard to believe, but over the past few years in Iowa, more than $1 million in lotto prizes annually have expired without being claimed. In fiscal year 2008, the total was more than $1.6 million.

The money goes into future prize pools, so it will be used to pay prizes, just not the particular prizes that have expired.

At the lottery, we do all we can to spread the word about unclaimed prizes, from sending out news releases to the media and putting up posters in the stores that sold the winning tickets to sending out e-mail reminders to players.

A great way to check the unclaimed prizes list whenever you want is by visiting our Web site and clicking on “Games” and then “Unclaimed Lotto Prizes.” The page shows the game, amount won, retailer where the ticket was purchased, drawing when the prize was won and the expiration date of the prize. On the list are all unclaimed prizes of $600 or more in Powerball, Hot Lotto, Iowa’s $100,000 Cash Game, Pick 3 and Pick 4.

So if you have a lotto ticket still sitting around at home or folded up in your wallet, get it out and check it today! You may have a big prize waiting!